Local museum showcase: Kauffman Museum
Take an inside look at Bethel’s neighboring museum as Kansas Day approaches.
Located just across the road from Bethel College, Kauffman Museum gives students easy access to the history of the Mennonites who came before and provides glimpses into life on the prairie over a century ago. With exhibits ranging from prairie birds and animals to artifact collections from several non-Western cultures, Kauffman Museum is a valuable resource for area residents and is free for all Bethel students.
“Kauffman Museum has been part of the Bethel campus and academic curriculum since 1896 when the original museum was located in a classroom in the administration building,” stated museum director Andi Schmidt Andres. When asked about the importance of the museum she highlighted the wide variety of work done for the community.
“Through the study of artifacts, often in context or relationship to other items, Kauffman Museum supplements assignments and class explorations, making information available in a format beyond the lecture hall or textbook,” added Schmidt Andres. “Not just history classes, but also art, religion, biology, social work, and even business classes have made use of exhibits and resources at the museum.”
Community is essential to members of Kauffman Museum. Day-long events are often held to mark special occasions or annual celebrations. One of these annual events is “Celebrate Kansas Day!” which will take place Saturday, Jan. 27.
When visitor services coordinator John Fast was asked about this yearly celebration, he spoke about the various activities and events that will be offered this weekend.
“Outside there will be food trucks in the parking lot, a teepee, blacksmith, horse-drawn wagon rides, Chisholm Trail interactive tour, a farm animal petting zoo for kids, and much more,” said Fast “Inside there will be a scavenger hunt, animal mask-making, origami birds, and much more.”
“Our theme this year will be Kansas critters,” Fast continued. “We hope you can make it over for an enjoyable afternoon!” This free event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.